Springfield, IL: Home of the 16th President

Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection - Springfield Edition

Celebrate the historic heart of Illinois with this ultra-soft unisex jersey tee, expertly spun from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton. Featuring the slogan "Home of the 16th President," this shirt pays tribute to Springfield's most famous resident: President Abraham Lincoln and the City that helped to mold him into one of the most significant Presidents in American history.

Whether you're cruising the Mother Road, walking through Lincoln's historically-preserved neighborhood or simply collecting each shirt from our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee is the perfect keepsake.

Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.

🎩About Springfield, Illinois: Where Lincoln's Legacy Meets Route 66

Every legendary highway has a soul, and for Route 66, part of that soul resides in Springfield, Illinois: the state capital where American history and Mother Road heritage converge in profound ways.

This isn't merely a governmental seat; it's a living monument to the nation's spirit and to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President who preserved the Union during its darkest hour.

Springfield is where Lincoln lived for 24 years, practiced law, raised his family, and launched the political career that would transform both him and the nation. His enduring legacy is woven into the city's very fabric, making Springfield an essential pilgrimage site for history enthusiasts and Route 66 travelers alike.

🏛️ Lincoln's Springfield: Walking in Presidential Footsteps

Springfield preserves Lincoln's story through meticulously maintained historic sites that bring the past vividly to life:

Lincoln Home National Historic Site 🏠

The only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned (413 S. 8th St.) stands beautifully preserved in a four-block historic neighborhood. This two-story Greek Revival house, where the Lincoln family lived from 1844 to 1861, offers intimate glimpses into the future president's domestic life. Free guided tours led by National Park Service rangers transport visitors back to the 1860s, showcasing period furnishings and sharing stories of the Lincoln family's Springfield years.

Old State Capitol⚖️

This magnificent Greek Revival building witnessed pivotal moments in Lincoln's legal and political career. Here, Lincoln:

• Served as state legislator
• Argued cases before the Illinois Supreme Court
• Delivered his prophetic "House Divided" speech on June 16, 1858, warning that "a house divided against itself cannot stand"
• Maintained his law office just blocks away

The fully restored capitol offers visitors the chance to stand where Lincoln stood and contemplate the words that shaped American destiny.

Lincoln's Tomb State Historic Site 🕊️

Located in Oak Ridge Cemetery, this solemn monument serves as the final resting place of Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and three of their four sons. The impressive 117-foot granite obelisk, completed in 1874, draws visitors from around the world who come to pay respects to America's most revered president. Tradition holds that rubbing the nose of the bronze Lincoln bust at the entrance brings good luck. You will even notice how it shines from countless touches over the decades.

🌭 Cozy Drive-In: Route 66's Iconic Comfort Food Destination

Springfield offers far more than solemn historical reflection. It pulses with classic Route 66 charm and roadside Americana energy. At the heart of Springfield's Mother Road experience stands the world-famous Cozy Drive-In (located at 2935 S. 6th St.), serving its legendary hand-dipped corn dogs since 1949.

Why Cozy Drive-In Is a Route 66 Institution: 🚗

🌭 Signature corn dogs prepared using the original recipe for over 75 years
🍔 Classic American drive-in menu with burgers, fries, and shakes
🚘 Authentic carhop service preserving 1950s nostalgia
💡 Vintage neon signage that's become a Route 66 photography staple
🍳 Family-owned operation maintaining old-school hospitality 
📍 Perfect fuel stop for hungry road trippers

This glowing beacon has welcomed generations of travelers, from 1950s families in Packards to modern Route 66 enthusiasts in vintage convertibles. The Cozy represents everything magical about Mother Road dining: simple, delicious food served with genuine warmth in a time-capsule setting.

🛣️ Springfield's Route 66 Significance

Springfield sits along the 1926-1977 Route 66 alignment through central Illinois, serving as a major hub where travelers could:

✨ Rest in comfortable motor courts after long prairie drives
✨ Refuel at full-service gas stations
✨ Explore a significant American city with modern amenities
✨ Experience both presidential history and roadside culture
✨ Stock up on supplies before continuing west

The city's unique combination of historical gravitas and classic highway hospitality made it unlike any other Route 66 stop: a place where travelers could nourish both mind and body.

🏛️ Beyond Lincoln: Springfield's Cultural Attractions

While Lincoln dominates Springfield's identity, the city offers additional attractions:

Illinois State Capitol 🏛️

The current capitol building (completed 1888) features stunning architecture and free public tours.

Dana-Thomas House 🏗️

A masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright, showcasing Prairie School architecture at its finest.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum 📚

A world-class institution using cutting-edge exhibits to tell Lincoln's story (opened 2005).

Historic Downtown District 🏙️

Beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture housing local shops, restaurants, and galleries.

🎯 Springfield: More Than a Waypoint: A Pilgrimage

For travelers on Route 66, Springfield transcends its role as just another city along the highway: it's a pilgrimage destination where:

✅America's defining historical narrative intersects with Route 66 culture
📖 The past isn't merely remembered but deeply felt
🛣️ Presidential history meets the freedom of the open road
💭 Visitors gain perspective on the journey from Lincoln's era to the automobile age
🌟 Two uniquely American stories (Lincoln's and Route 66's) merge into one unforgettable experience

🗺️ Two Springfields, One Route 66

Did you know? Route 66 connects two Springfields: Springfield, IL and Springfield, MO (the Queen City of the Ozarks). This coincidence delights travelers and creates occasional confusion, but both cities offer distinct Route 66 experiences worth exploring. Our Route 66 Everytown Collection celebrates both!

🌟 Why Choose This Springfield, Illinois Route 66 Tee

Perfect for:

🎩 Abraham Lincoln enthusiasts and presidential history buffs
🛣️ Route 66 Illinois collectors
🏛️ American history and Civil War scholars
🌭 Cozy Drive-In fans and vintage diner lovers 🇺🇸 Patriots celebrating American heritage 📚 Educators and museum professionals
🚗 Road trippers seeking meaningful Route 66 destinations

Celebrate Springfield, Illinois: a City where the Great Emancipator's legacy meets the Mother Road, creating a uniquely American experience that resonates across generations! 🎩

Product Features:

• 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
  
• Side seams for added structure and durability
• Tear-away label for comfort
• Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
• Fulfilled in the USA

Care Instructions:

• Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
• Tumble dry: low heat
• Non-chlorine bleach as needed
• Iron or steam: medium heat
• Do not dry clean